Serpentine belt conversion and water pump

[centexk5]

What are y’all’s thoughts on a serpentine belt conversion? I’m debating doing one on the new engine.

Also, who is running what for water pumps? Need a new one for the 383.

 

[sweetk30]

doing it for years with factory stuff . 4.3 or 5.0 or 5.7 parts .

use the pump for the serp belt setup and fan has to match unless electric fans used .

 

[70jimmy]

Yep made the reverse rotation mistake when I swapped to TBI motor. She got a little warm pretty quick.

 

[centexk5]

I was gonna match the pump to the belt system. Not worried about that. I was just thinking that since I’m starting with a new engine I might as well get all new accessories for it such as a high output alternator and serpentine belt setup. I’ve contemplated an electric water pump but the cost for the few horses you gain doesn’t seem worth it.

 

[sweetk30]

i plow snow in winter / play in summer / tow trailers and zero pump problems with off the shelf mech pump .

 

[nvrenuf]

My 91 Blazer originally had a 350 with a serpentine belt set up. When I decided to convert my 454 to serpentine I used the Blazer as the application to buy most of the parts, seems like I bought the water pump for a 91 suburban.

Don’t forget the fan clutch and blade

 

[ZooMad75]

I despise v-belts. Make the switch with factory parts. The late TBI stuff has cast aluminum brackets and still use a r-4 compressor if you are running factory a/c.

 

[centexk5]

No AC so I’m free on choices. Guess I could source the brackets from Rockauto or something.

 

[nvrenuf]

I forgot, a lot of 4.3’s do not have a smog pump so they are cast without the big mounting half moon. Much cleaner looking.

 

[ZooMad75]

No AC so I’m free on choices. Guess I could source the brackets from Rockauto or something.

All the factory versions have the provision for mounting an a/c compressor. If you don't have a/c you'll need a delete pulley to bolt in the place of the compressor.

 

[Jimmy85]

Guess I could source the brackets from Rockauto or something.

I have a set of brackets from a tbi laying around that you can have. No bolts though. Let me know when you can make it into north Austin and they’re yours.